Thousands of Aucklanders are expected to make the most of today's public holiday, flocking to the waterfront where more than 20 top local and international bands will play at St Jerome's Laneway Festival.

This is the first time in its short New Zealand history that the festival has returned to the same location two years in a row.

The one-day indie music event began at Britomart in 2010, before moving to Aotea Square the following year, but Silo Park proved a winner in 2012, earning a repeat visit today - albeit with a few minor tweaks.

Organisers have promised extra shaded areas for fans to escape the expected fine weather, as well as more food and drink vendors, including a new wine bar area near the harbour's edge.

There is also an extra DJ stage inside one of the park's silos, complete with air-conditioning, black-out curtains and a limited capacity.

The new stage will be one of four areas where bands including Alt-J, Bat For Lashes and Tame Impala will play for more than 10 hours.

The annual festival began in Melbourne in 2004, before expanding to Singapore, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Sydney, finally crossing the ditch four years ago.

Around 6,500 people attended the Auckland event last year, with capacity expected to be slightly higher this year.

Organisers said while Eftpos facilities will be on site, people should try and bring cash to avoid delays.

Bringing your own food and drink into the event is prohibited, except for sealed water bottles, and footwear is required to be worn as you enter the gates.

Limited pass-outs will be available from 4pm and for a short time only.

Gates open at 11.30am, with Kings of Convenience opening the show at 12.15pm.